Mitch Marner's 102-point production casts a long shadow over Toronto's training-camp plans, forcing a heavy internal push from Matthew Knies, William Nylander, and Max Domi as the Leafs reshuffle for 2024-25. Austin Matthews could shoulder more scoring responsibility, supported by Matias Michelli and the newly minted depth. Dakota Joshua's mid-six bite and John Tavares's hometown discount add scale and cap flexibility, while Morgan Riley and Brandon Carlo anchor a defense aimed at a steadier, more complete game.

Leafs fans will watch Knies step into a larger role, Nylander adapt to a playmaking-heavy surrounding cast, and Matthews navigate a less-elite setup without Marner. The strategic moves—Joshua's addition, Tavares's deal, and Riley-Carlo pairings—keep Toronto competitive now and cap-friendly for a big free-agent push next summer. The off-season math seeks depth, identity, and sustained scoring without surrendering future flexibility.

Noah Dobson’s Montreal reset could lift him toward a 65–70 point pace, anchored by a refreshed top six and expanded power play.

Jeremy Swayman enters a season with less off-ice disruption and a steadier Bruins blue line, boosting his fantasy floor and win potential.

Austin Matthews should rebound behind Toronto’s strengthened supporting cast, with Carter Verhaeghe delivering sustained two‑way value in Florida. Andrei Svechnikov’s return to form in Carolina makes him a top‑tier two‑way asset, while Mitch Marner remains central to Toronto’s attack.

Late draft whispers around Mason Lohrei and Anton Wahlberg point to valuable depth in the blue lines and deeper leagues.

NHL Milan tour signals aggressive growth moves: a 2028 World Cup with eight teams, an Olympic cadence anchored around Milan 2026, and a calendar push that could trim training camps and even nudge start dates earlier in future CBAs. High-stakes signings underscore Chicago and Minnesota bets—Frank Nazar’s seven-year pact and Marco Rossi’s three-year, $15M deal—highlighting young talent as the league leans into longer-term returns.

Fantasy takeaway: between global events, longer signings, and potential schedule shifts, expect more roster churn and subtle value shifts early. Nazar, Rossi and a few other signings could reshape lines and PP units, while McDavid-era franchises eye opportunities around extensions and cap dynamics. Stay nimble on sleepers and leverage international duties when projecting workload and availability.

Team USA’s Olympic orientation camp roster reveals a stacked, versatile core with elite goaltending and elite blue-line depth. Connor Hellebuyck anchors the crease, with Ottering and Swayman in reserve, while Joey Daccord earns a look as a wild-card. Lane Hudson’s omission surprises a system that thrives on youth and pedigree. Offense leans into size and skill: Matthews centers a star-rich first line with Gensel and Thompson, while Eichel and a dual Kachuk punch give USA two dynamic scoring lines. The middle is anchored by Hughes, Connor, and Boldy, with Larkin, Miller, and Trocheck shaping a defensively responsible fourth line. Nazar’s surprise invite restocks the pipeline for 2030 as Kane, Robertson, and DeBrincat face tough calls as veterans reach the twilight of their prime. The roster is built for a February battle on NHL-sized ice, with Billy G and the coaching staff balancing elite talent and role players to chase Olympic gold.

Depth across the blue line is the story: Hughes, Makavoy, Werenski, Fox, Slavin, and Faber give USA multiple pairing options, with Sanderson and Jones providing mobile forward-thinking support. Lane Hudson’s absence stirs debate about the best long-term guardrails, while the forward corps blends elite scorers with two-way anchors who can shift to wing as needed. The discussion around Kane’s fit vs. a younger, faster roster highlights the tension between experience and overhauling a championship squad. Fantasy owners should watch who earns top-line minutes and who carves out a power-play role as the team settles on its core for 2025-26 and beyond.